The Book of Matthew Explained

•  The Basics (5W's & 1H)
• Who wrote it? The apostle Matthew, or Levi
• What was his audience? Greek speaking Jewish Christians
• Where was it written? Unknown. Some people think Jerusalem, and others think Antioch in Syria.
• When was it written? Between A.D. 50 and A.D. 65. Before A.D. 70 because that's when the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, and Matthew talks about the Temple being destroyed in the future. 
• Why was it written? To connect the Old Testament Law with the New Testament Gospel. To prove to the Jews that Jesus was their Promised Messiah.
• How was it written? The Holy Spirit, or God, inspired Matthew what to write. 

• Interesting facts I bet you didn't know, cause I didn't know them
• There are 1,071 verses in Matthew. Only 410 of those verses are recorded ONLY in Matthew.
• 9 parables are 3 miracles appear.
• Matthew is considered a "Synoptic Gospel".
• Similar to Mark in narrative account.
• Over 90% of Mark's verses are found in Matthew. 
• Follows Mark's basic narrative form.
• Was the 2nd Gospel written.

• Overview of Book
• Chapters 1-4 talk about the life of Jesus and the start of His ministry.
• Chapters 5-7 talk about the teachings of Jesus.
• Chapters 8-10 talk about the miracles of Jesus.
• Chapters 11-18 talk about the reactions to Jesus.
• Chapters 19-25 talk about Jesus' parables, discussing His philosophy, prophecies, and healing.
• Chapters 26-28 talk about Jesus' trail, death, and resurrection.

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Matthew 1 Explained

 Most people overlook the genealogy section in Matthew. They think it isn't as important as the rest of the Gospel. But in fact, it's the opposite. This section lays the foundation for Matthew's arguments.

Matthew was arguing and proving Jesus' messiahship. The genealogy was theological and written in proper Jewish style. Matthew leaves out a few names, but the names he does include emphasize that Jesus truly is who He said He was. This genealogy is also historical. It fulfills what was promised to Abraham in Genesis 17:5-7.

Read Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew also included David in the genealogy. This proves even further that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.

The rest of the chapter explains how Jesus was born. It also shows how powerful God is and that His plan is bigger than we could ever fathom. 

Read Matthew 1:18-25

Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married. That was questioned when Mary was found with child. According to the Jewish law, Joseph had the right to divorce Mary because she was considered unclean. Joseph respected the purity of the relationship, so that news definitely caught him off guard. 

Before Joseph gave the divorce idea too much though, God sent an angel to explain everything in his dream. Joseph listened and did what the angel commanded. 

Imagine being put in that situation, Mary or Joseph's. What would be your reaction? What happened was out of the ordinary. Matthew made sure to prove this by including Isaiah 7:14. It proves the prophecy was fulfilled.

Joseph and Mary were faithful till the very end. This example should challenge us to be faithful even if the situation seems impossible. God uses the least of us to accomplish His plans, only if we listen. 

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